Windows Server 2012 makes a push into the cloud

Microsoft recently announced the new version of its server operating system, sticking with the pattern and calling it “Windows Server 2012.” What might interest network administrators at both government and non-government enterprises is the level of investment this new version has in cloud architecture.

As expected, the new version has improvements in nearly all aspects of server and network management. The basic operation of the OS has improved in the way it handles storage and network connectivity. But that isn’t the big news. Server 2012 is also integrated into the Azure cloud computing system. This is a network of hundreds of thousands of servers that offer more than 200 cloud-based services to augment your server’s operational capabilities.

The topology of networks is slowly changing from old fashioned client-server models to Internet-based continuous services. And as such, Microsoft decided to bring forward a server OS that will function for both stand-alone servers and those that connect to the cloud.

It will be interesting to see whether Microsoft can take an existing server line, which is isn’t even close to being its flagship, and turn it into something that will stay current. Perhaps the a la carte sales style that pretty much defines the cloud will be a good thing for everyone. The companies that have been trying Server 2012 out seemed to be pleased with it, according to a survey Microsoft conducted.

As with all things in the computer world, only time will tell.

About the Author

Greg Crowe is a former GCN staff writer who covered mobile technology.